Thyatira - Rumor notes 13

 

Revelation 2

18 "To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: "The Son of God, who has his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet are like burnished brass, says these things:

19 "I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.

….covered last week.

25 Nevertheless, hold firmly that which you have, until I come.

Hold firmly to that which you have. Does this mean that some things are clear and others are murky and confusing, so in times of confusion and questioning we need to cling to fundamental truths? If so, what are the fundamental elements of truth? That might vary widely depending on our perception of both truth and the nature of the cause and definitions of sin.

Why does Jesus say He will not put any other burden on the rest? I thought Jesus is the one we are to put all our burdens on anyway. What burden might He be referring to here?

Hold firmly to that which you have. When things are confusing and all around us are mixed messages as to who is right or wrong or safe or dangerous, we need to have a conscious knowledge of what is at the core of truth, what is life-giving or what might need to be left to learn later. I believe it is vital that we be willing to challenge what is most important versus what we might think is important but does not align with what Jesus reveals about God's motives, methods and truth.

26 He who overcomes, and he who keeps my works to the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.

27 He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father:

28 and I will give him the morning star.

29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

I will give authority. What kind of authority does Jesus use? God is not into hierarchy.

In heaven's system, authority is pre-distributed out to every intelligent created being to be used exclusively by that one according to their own free choices. This is what I call the piece of divinity that God has endowed each one with as a reflection of Himself. This is absolutely necessary if love and intimate bonded relationships are to exist at all. Without freedom to choose and to freely decide whether or not to participate in mutual relationships of trust and love, such relationships become impossible to experience. This is why the kind of authority we are accustomed to practicing and living under here on earth cannot work in God's design, for top-down hierarchal type authority relies on compulsion, force, coercion and the reward punishment system to enforce its power over others.

Once we begin to grasp this and recognize that nearly everything that comes to mind when we hear the word authority is a counterfeit and a distortion of true authority, how can we read this message of Jesus and appreciate its true meaning in light of how God and His kingdom does things? In other words, if authority in heaven's system is received from those choosing to live under another's guidance and instruction and protection, then in what way does Jesus give authority to others to rule over nations? Remember, Jesus will never rule the way authorities here on earth rule, exercising coercive power to control and dominate over others against their will.

He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.' But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Luke 22:25-30)

Look carefully at this explanation of how Jesus confers authority. Precisely what is He saying they can do? Jesus says that what He confers on His true followers is just the same as what His Father conferred on Him as a human being loyal to His Father. What is conferred is the privilege to eat and drink at His table. All the rest about sitting on thrones and judging simply flow out of this as natural after-effects. The main thing granted to those who are willing to humble themselves and serve selflessly, or in the words of Jesus in Revelation, who keeps His works to the end, is a place at His table. Couching this in the meaning of heaven's kind of authority operating in a family mindset instead of a lord-it-over-others mindset, what does that mean?

The closer we come to appreciating that God's kingdom operates nothing like earthly kingdoms, the more clearly we see the problems with our presumptions associated with words like thrones and judging. When we hear the word throne we tend to imagine a position of power where someone lords it over others. But Jesus has explicitly denied this as having any place in His kingdom, so we have to replace our entire paradigm about thrones in God's kingdom if we want to understand and participate in His plan for restoring order to the universe free of all sin. Likewise we have to completely redefine what we imagine needs to happen in terms of judging, for Jesus also commanded His followers to not judge others lest they be judged themselves, and also declared that He did not come to judge but to save. So whatever is going on here must align perfectly with how Jesus does things and must mesh perfectly with His teachings. What Jesus did say was that it was His words that would be our judge.

Rule with a rod of iron. Pay close attention to the phrasing of these words of Jesus. He is not talking about Him ruling with a rod of iron but rather those who keep His works to the end. That means those who emulate His example and practice authority only according to heaven's version will be qualified to participate in this activity, whatever it looks like. But to unpack the real meaning of this we need to apply the keys we received in the very first verse of this book and not fail to faithfully fit everything we read through the filter of these keys lest we become tainted with the virus of sin that distorts the meaning of everything spiritual.

While it is clear here that it is not Jesus who is referred to as ruling with a rod of iron, elsewhere in the book He is identified as doing exactly that. So what is the connection here?

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne. The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one thousand two hundred sixty days. There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war. (Revelation 12:3-7)

Notice the many inter-connections here. In Luke Jesus talks about authority and difference of how it is exercised along with thrones and judging. Here we find reference to Jesus, the male child born to the woman on earth who is clearly identified as the one who will rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Jesus is the one caught up to God and in chapter 5 we will see Him as the hero of this whole book in the form of the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne with God.

What is becoming clear early on in Revelation here is a process whereby the Lamb is preparing a people to exercise authority exactly the same way He does. This is one of the main themes throughout this book that we need to keep in view so as to make sense out of the many convoluted and shocking things we will encounter. The main issues to ever keep in mind everywhere we look in this amazing exposé of the backstory is the contrast between God's methods and motives and that of His enemies.

Rod of iron. There are many possibilities for interpreting the meaning of this, but whatever we choose must fit without resistance through the filter of the keys we are using for interpretation. Everything in Revelation is given as symbols and every interpretation must align perfectly with the example, methods and motives of Jesus who is the hero of Revelation. Thus there are several possible meanings for this rod of iron.

It could be referring to a shepherd's rod. If we apply it this way a rod made of iron would have valuable attributes over a rod made of merely wood. Iron is far stronger and more reliable than wood, and interestingly iron will not burn up in a fire like a stick of wood could easily do. We will see passages that give strong hints in this direction.

Secondly, and not to preclude the first, this rod can just as likely refer to a scepter which is a symbol of supreme authority when it comes to a kingdom. We will also see strong support for this as well in the passages discovered when we trace this concept throughout Scripture.

Thirdly, we find reference to a rod or pen of iron used as an engraving tool with a diamond tip.

Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. (Revelation 19:15)

Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. (Psalms 2:8-10)

The symbolism in these verses seem to link closely the sword from Jesus' mouth with the rod of iron and how they are used to strike the nations. But notice how all this is tied in with how Jesus does all this. He treads the winepress alone. We must allow all the passages we are finding to inform us and shape our thinking as to what all this really means, including what it means to tread the winepress as explained in the OT. Also note the method by which nations are shattered differently than what we usually presume must happen.

Shepherd's Rod

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4)

Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, who dwell by themselves in a forest, in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed; in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. "As in the days of your coming forth out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things." The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might. They will lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears will be deaf. They will lick the dust like a serpent. Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their dens. They will come with fear to Yahweh our God, and will be afraid because of you. Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn't retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness. He will again have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:14-19)

Engraving Tool

Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, he will stand upon the earth. After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God, (Job 19:23-26)

The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars; while their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees on the high hills. My mountain in the field, I will give your substance and all your treasures for a spoil, and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders. You, even of yourself, shall discontinue from your heritage that I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don't know: for you have kindled a fire in my anger which shall burn forever. Thus says Yahweh: Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh. (Jeremiah 17:1-5)

In these verses we see a link to the hardness of heart likened to stone on which is engraved the record of sins. Engravings on stone last a very long time, and there are many references in Scripture to God wanting to exchange our heart of stone for a heart of flesh, a heart that is dynamic, feeling, sensitive and one in which the principles of love are integrated. This reminds of of the contrast between a Law engraved on tablets of stone as encountered at Mt. Sinai and the expression of the underlying principles of that same Law revealed in the soft and tender flesh of the Son of God.

Scepter Rod

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs. To him will the obedience of the peoples be. (Genesis 49:10)

Your mother was like a vine, in your blood, planted by the waters: it was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. It had strong rods for the scepters of those who bore rule, and their stature was exalted among the thick boughs, and they were seen in their height with the multitude of their branches. But it was plucked up in fury, it was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit: its strong rods were broken off and withered; the fire consumed them. Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land. Fire is gone out of the rods of its branches, it has devoured its fruit, so that there is in it no strong rod to be a scepter to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation. (Ezekiel 19:10-14)

As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be king over you: and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face. Like as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, says the Lord Yahweh. I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and those who disobey against me; I will bring them forth out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and you shall know that I am Yahweh. As for you, house of Israel, thus says the Lord Yahweh: Go you, serve everyone his idols, and hereafter also, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name shall you no more profane with your gifts, and with your idols. (Ezekiel 20:33-39)

But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows." (Hebrews 1:8-9)

Shatter them like clay pots. There is very much that could be unpacked here but we can only touch on a few and leave the rest for later. Primarily what we need to pay attention to is the method and motives of how this is accomplished. If we miss this we have missed the main point of the entire book. Whatever it means to shatter nations it must fit within the revelation of God in the life and example of Jesus while He lived on this earth among us.

This may be a classic example of the fallacy of the logic that the end justifies the means. The way most people imagine winning over powerful nations is by the use of superior force. Yet this is exactly what Jesus came to refute, so He will not use methods which He has clearly denounced and forbidden for His disciples to use. Thus any reasoning that there comes a time when force must be resorted to when all else has failed is a subversion of the truth as embodied most clearly in the Lamb of Revelation. Violence, intimidation, force and coercion are never to be found anywhere in God's kingdom, for His kingdom is not of this world. Shattering nations then must be seen in an entirely different light if we want to remain consistent with the message of this entire book about a war raging between the dragon and the Lamb.

In the above passages and in many others, we can find insights and clues about how God shatters nations. Even in the dream of the image in Daniel 2 we find key insights as to how the nations of earth are destroyed without violence on the part of God. The entire system of domination and authority through coercive power is represented by this image built of various ingredients, some of which are considered precious metals and the legs and feet having iron representing brute, raw force. Yet the stone that dissolves all of them into dust at the end is said to not be designed by any hand.

What does this really mean? In Scripture the hand is a symbol of power and/or authority. In Daniel 2 some translations insert the word human into the text, but it is not in the original Hebrew and does not belong there. What this means is that this stone that defeats all the nations and reduces them to dust that can all be blown away with even a gentle whiff of air, relies on an entirely different principle that what the kingdoms of earth rely on to win over others. Thus what this is telling us is that not even God's hand is used to shape this stone that wins over and shatters all nations that have set themselves up through the use of force and top-down authority.

This stone is not a precious metal but apparently just an ordinary rock. Yet amazingly this rock has some inherent life principle within it that causes it to grow, displacing all the other attempts to dominate the world with a mountain that emerges as a result of whatever is in this rock. And it does so, not by relying on any of the previous methods used by the nations but through the methods and motives and message of the Lamb who is the ultimate overcomer along with all who are willing to embrace His ways and overcome only as He overcame. These will be the ones who will build the mountain of God, Mount Zion, where only righteousness rules and love is the only game in town. This leads us nicely into unpacking the next phrase.

As I have received of my Father. What does this tell us about how the kingdom of heaven displaces all the nations of this world? What is the example of how Jesus received the kingdom? He never resorted to force, deception, defensiveness or leveraging supernatural power to gain advantage over His enemies. He simply received His grace, His sense of value and identity and His strength to love unconditionally every morning from His heavenly Father and then dispensed these things freely to others throughout the day. Jesus lived the perfect human life by demonstrating how humans are designed to live – receiving freely from God for the purpose of giving freely to others. This is the design of all creation and the secret of true power.

Embracing this pattern of living is the means of defeating all the powers of darkness and the kingdoms of this world. Consider this statement in light of what we are learning here.

God could have destroyed Satan and his sympathizers as easily as one can cast a pebble to the earth; but He did not do this. Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan's government. The Lord's principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God's government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power. {DA 759.1}

Give him the Morning Star.

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of David; the Bright and Morning Star. (Revelation 22:16)

How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low! (Isaiah 14:12)

We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: (2 Peter 1:19)

Both of these last verses in the Latin identify these beings as having the name Lucifer which means light-bearer or phosphorescent.

The controversy has from the beginning been over whose version of light about God's character is to be believed. The very word controversy is made up of two parts: Contra which means against and verse which is logos or the Word. Christ is the explicit and only truthful revelation of God while Lucifer claimed to be the correct light of truth about God. So the competition for faith has always been who we will believe and follow when it comes to reflecting the image of God, which Lucifer will we allow to shape our character and reflection, which witness we will believe about what lurks deep in God's heart.

What seems to be God's plan in the larger context is that those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes and learn to sing the new Song of the Lamb, will take the place abandoned by the original Lucifer who turned his gifts into weapons against his Creator. The best friend of Michael who was created to accompany Him in administration of all creation betrayed Him just as Judas did when He was on earth. As a result, God replaces this companion with a people who are matured to be a bride for Christ, someone who is finally willing to be in complete harmony and sympathy with His message, methods and motives and who is willing to reflect His love without resistance or suspicion.

In short, those who are willing to become nurtured and cultivated to be a loving companion for Christ are given the position of Morning Star, reflectors of the light of God's heart through which the glory of God may be magnified and distributed to all the universe throughout the rest of eternity.